The Cleveland Guardians have yet to make any significant free agency or trades this offseason, but the organization has still been fairly active behind the scenes. The team announced the hiring of two new additions to the coaching staff this week, the latest being the addition of Tony Arnerich as the new bench coach.

Manager Stephen Vogt held a press conference on Friday afternoon to announce the new hires and expressed nothing but excitement about them.

“Yeah, so, obviously, really excited we spoke the other night about Andy McKay, really excited to have him as field coordinator. And then Tony Arnerich, again, another person that we are super excited to be adding to our staff and to our organization,” said Cleveland’s skipper.

What really stood out in Arnerich’s resume was the extensive experience he has coaching not just at the big-league level, but also at the college level, which focuses primarily on player development. 

Vogt continued, “Tony, great background of coaching college, held a number of roles through the minor leagues in leadership and in technical skilled coaching, and as a major league coach. He's got experience as a hitting coach, he's got experience as a bullpen coach and as a catching coach. So really can add value and support for our coaches in all those areas, and has been a great game strategist along the way.”

One of the hardest parts about replacing Craig Albernaz was that he and Vogt had a relationship and friendship that went well beyond baseball. That partnership made it easy for each of them to bounce ideas off one another, however silly it may sound. 

While nothing can replace Alerbnaz and Vogt’s friendship, the Guardians are still adding someone with whom Vogt is familiar in Arnerich. The two spent time together in 2023 when they were both a part of the Seattle Mariners’ organization.

“I have a great relationship, a preexisting with [Arnerich], explained Vogt, “So I already have that trust built in with him, and he could be more thrilled to be joining in Cleveland organization.”

Now that the Guardians have settled on their coaching staff and are satisfied with their additions, the organization can begin focusing on how to make the Guardians a World Series contender next season.